Pilotage Services

Deep Sea Pilotage

George Hammond established the first deep sea pilotage service in 1947.

Our pool of self-employed pilots are annually licensed on behalf of the British Government by Trinity House for all areas around UK, Ireland and the North Sea. Each pilot is required to have extensive command experience, prior to commencing their pilotage careers and are fully ECDIS trained.

With their unrivalled navigational knowledge of English Channel and North European waters, all Hammond pilots offer significant economic benefits to owners and operators, as well as enhancing the Bridge Management Team by advising on the safest and most direct route to next local pilot boarding position.

The Deep Sea Pilot will normally board by launch at Brixham or Cherbourg on the approach to the English Chanel & remain onboard throughout the vessel’s Northern European rotation, disembarking at Brixham outbound.

Vessels requiring a Deep Sea Pilot should send their request at the earliest opportunity to allow for pilot’s travel, advising ETA & nominating their preferred boarding station or port.

A Hammond Deep Sea Pilot fully recognises commercial pressures placed on owners, operators, Masters, and crew, and with their unparalleled experience is able to assist to meet those demands by suggesting optimum routings, both saving time and indeed bunkers.

A Hammond Pilot Is With You ALL The Way!

Area of Trinity House Deep Sea Pilot License:

All North European waters North of Gibraltar with the exception of the Baltic Sea, East of the line between Skagen & Vinga.

Brixham Boarding position:

Pilot launch will meet approximate 2nm North East of Berry Head at pilot boarding station position

LAT 50.25’ Long 003.25.70’ W

Actual Position will be confirmed when contact is made via VHF.

Cherbourg Boarding position: 2nm East of CH1 Buoy LAT: 29 43.5’ N Long 001 42.0’ W

Loaded Tankers: 7nm North of Cherbourg Breakwaters Lat 49 47.5’ N Long 001 39.0 W

VHF Channel 12 Cherbourg Pilots

IMO Recommendation – IMO A1080(28) adopted 1981 recommends the use of properly licensed deep sea pilots in the North Sea, English Channel & Skagerrak.

European Union Resolution (79/115/EEC): Whereas, for the sake of safety at sea and of preventing marine pollution, it is necessary to ensure that vessels wishing to use the services of pilots in the North Sea and English Channel can call on adequately qualified deep-sea pilots, and to promote the employment of such pilots in vessels flying the flags of Member States.

Benefits:

Ease of communication in English with VTS, Port authorities & other vessels
Passage planning with bridge team on pilot’s arrival on the bridge.
Confidence in optimal navigational routing in one of the world’s most congested waterways, consequently saving time & bunkers
Ability to advise & maintain accurate ETA at next port’s pilot station, allowing berthing & shore operations to be booked with confidence.
Expert knowledge of call up procedures, traffic routing systems, anchoring or drifting areas.
The additional bridge support allows the Master to fulfil his rest hours according to current legislation.
The pilot is proactive in teaching & encouraging junior officers.
Taking a pilot can also act as a refresher course for Captains who haven’t recently sailed in North European Waters.

Navigational audit.

A pilot’s previous extensive sea time experience as Master qualifies him to undertake comprehensive navigational audits. The audit takes place alongside his time on board as pilot. His immersion in the bridge & ship operation will offer the most constructive feedback to owners, managers & charterers.

George Hammond Marine Ltd

George Hammond